IMF Head Dominique Strauss-Kahn Arrested for Rape

Right on the eve of a key meeting involving Greece and the European debt crisis, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, like the Federal Reserve Bank of the world, was arrested in New York City for rape. I am disturbed by the allegations and believe he should step down immediately. This is not the first he has been involved in a sexual allegation and I think he needs to be replaced, especially at this crucial time for Europe and countries like Greece that are counting on IMF intervention or assistance.

The arrest of Dominique Strauss-Kahn was made more dramatic by his rushed departure from the hotel and crime scene, to the airport, onto an Air France jet. The plane had already left the gate, with Strauss-Kahn comfortably ensconced in first class, when New York City's very effective police system kicked into gear, the plane was ordered to return to the gate, and detectives boarded the plane and got their suspect, moments before he may have escaped the grasp of US justice.

In addition to his position as the head of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn is also a major French politician, and a former French finance minister, comparable to our Secretary of the Treasury cabinet position. He was also a major figure in France's Socialist Party and was expected to be a major contender to be the next President of France in their upcoming May 2012 election. He's also married to a famous TV presenter, Anne Sinclair, an American who has hosted very famous political chat shows in France, like a Larry King or Charlie Rose.

The accusations are disturbing. The report states he was in the bathroom of his luxurious, multi-room suite at Manhattan's Sofitel Hotel, when the maid entered, thinking the room was unoccupied. The maid reported Strauss-Kahn attacked her multiple times, forcing her to perform sex acts. Police have reported recovering evidence with DNA related to the crime.

Strauss-Kahn apparently left the hotel in a rush immediately after the incident, leaving his cel phone and other items behind. The speed with which the NYPD, along with the Port Authority PD is amazing and to be commended. They investigated the matter, quickly realized Strauss-Kahn had fled to the airport and was already on a plane bound for Paris. They communicated with the PAPD, who had the plane turn around, as it had already left the gate. The plane returned to the gate, PAPD detectives boarded the plane and detained him without incident. And to confirm the class and sensitivity of those detectives, they informed Strauss-Kahn of the situation and he left the plane with the detectives voluntarily, without handcuffs. The accusation is disgusting and if true, Strauss-Kahn should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and sent to prison.

One thing mentioned in the New York Time article that I found extremely financially disturbing, was the fact this executive was staying in a suite that cost us $3000 a night. That's right, us. The IMF is funded by member countries like the US. The US pays dues to the IMF that pay Strauss-Kahn's salary and hotel suite bills. I work very hard for my money and pay taxes, and those taxes are used by the US government to pay the IMF dues, so I pay Strauss-Kahn's hotel bill, and he should stay in a regular room, not a $3000 a night suite.

The issue of immunity has been brought up, employees of the IMF are only covered by immunity during the course of performing their "official capacity". This is meant to cover them from indictment for actions they take doing their job, not an act like this.

Sources:

Al Baker and Steve Erlanger "I.M.F. Chief, Apprehended at Airport, Is Accused of Sexual Attack" The New York Times via nytimes.com

International Monetary Fund information page and Articles of Agreement of IMF via imf.org